Larisa Sîrbu

After 11 years working as Cabin Crew, Ecaterina is among the lucky ones who had the chance to work for the 3 biggest airline companies in the world: Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways. At 25 years old, Ecaterina left behind her family, her career and the life she was used to and flew to the Middle East. As she confesses, she left “Not just to see the world, because I had already visited it with my parents, both aviators, but to find out what my mother felt every time she was back from a flight; I managed to understand that feeling late, because most of the times I returned to an empty apartment, but when I had my family alongside or when I went home on holidays, my heart was full of happiness and sadness that I have to leave again.” Today, after almost 11 years, Ecaterina is ready to close this chapter in her life and finally put her feet on the ground.

How did you find out about the positions of Cabin Crew in the Middle East and where did you go for the first interview?

I worked for the biggest and best Arab companies in the world. At first I started flying for Qatar Airways, I continued flying for Etihad Airways and I finished my career in aviation at Emirates. When it comes to the job application, for example at Etihad Airways I found out that they were recruiting directly from their website, on the Career section.

How many years did you spent among the clouds? What was your route in the aviation domain until now?

I flew for 11 years! I worked for Qatar Airways 7 years and I can say that it is the company from which I learned the most important things: service quality, protocal, what means “excellent customer service”. I ended my career at Qatar on the position of Cabin Manager.

I moved to Etihad, where I planned to stay only a short period of time, on my road to Emirates. Between Qatar and Emirates there was then the rule of “gentlemen’s agreement”, which allowed the crew to apply for Emirates only after one year of pause after working for Qatar. I worked for Etihad 1 year and a half, but what I liked the most was the fact that they were very interested in my previous experience. They made me feel very welcomed and appreciated. From November 2012 I worked for Emirates as Cabin Crew. From March 2015 I decided that it was time for me to change my life and move on to another career.

How was for you to have a husband working in the same company as Cabin Crew?

I met my husband in 2004, after a few months after I started flying. We got married in 2011, when we both managed to move in UAE. We both flew at the same time for Qatar Airways, approximately 3 years, during those years, when the rules permitted us, we moved in together. We managed to have some flights together as colleagues and also as passengers while the other one was on duty. Meantime, my husband resigned and he started a new career after preparing for 2 years in USA and UAE. This was the hardest period, mostly because we only saw each other 2 times in the first year. But, the moment it was decided that Dubai will be the new home for him, I started to plan my move there. After we got married, my life completely changed. It was such a struggle to leave. But, as this job has its benefits I managed to arrange my flights to his delegated destinations, and he came with me in my layovers.

What was your favorite destination?

My favorite destination was and it still is Hong Kong. I consider that it is the most diverse place that I visited so far – the culture, people, food, clubs and pubs. Every time I arrive there it’s a must travel with the ferry.

What were your daily activities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai?

When it comes to my free time activities, I will mention the aerobic classes, riding the bike, going to the cinema, water sports, cooking, golf, going out in the city, electronic games, going to shisha and the list can go on.

What made you apply for Emirates?

I always wanted to fly for Emirates (EK). But it was not meant to be, until it actually happened. I know it is a big company, with an extraordinary reputation. Eventually, who doesn’t want to be part of such a company? For any company I worked for, even if their publicity and image is spotless, you can stumble upon things that don’t work so well. But, I adapted easily to new rules and I managed to follow them properly to each of this 3 companies.

Why did you stop flying, especially after having such a fulminant career?

I stopped flying for Qatar and Etihad because my husband had a permanent work place in Dubai. From Doha I left without any regrets, because it started to become very tense, with too many hours of flying and it was too strict for a person of my age. The situation was different for Etihad, but I left because it was difficult to drive from Dubai, where I lived, to Abu Dhabi, where I worked. Practically I was in 3 places at the same time. I also had a car accident, and that was the moment I decided to remain only in Dubai.

How did you feel when you wore the Etihad Airways uniform for the last time?

The last flight was very nostalgic. I put an end and started all over again. Even if I stopped flying from March 2015, I can say, without a doubt, that no manual, no course, no human could have taught me so many things that I learned in all these years as a Flight Attendant, personally, professionally, from a cultural point of view and the list could go on. I will forever hold the spiritual joy that every Flight Attendant has when she received the gratitude of the passengers in my heart. For example, I will tell you a short story from one of my flights: At boarding time an elder lady came to me. I approached her, I welcomed her and I asked: “How are you? You seem upset”, because that was exactly how she looked. She started crying and she told me that she was separated from her daughter, she doesn’t know where she is and doesn’t think they have the seats together. I led her to the seat, I took the necessary details and I went to find out what happened to her daughter. After a little while, with all the arrangements made, I came back to her, with her daughter and I said: “I brought your daughter and I arranged everything in order for you to stay together”. I can’t describe the happiness in her eyes, even if it was a normal thing to do as a Flight Attendant. At the end of the flight, the lady came to me, she hugged and kissed me and she said: “ I will never forget what you did for me!”

Join our courses and become cabin crew with our help!

HOW TO BE CABIN CREW is the biggest training center in Europe dedicated to future flight attendants. Our courses are ideal for young professionals looking to get a head start in the profession, introducing the skills and responsibilities expected by the world’s leading airlines and more importantly give them the vital information and coaching that will help to ensure they perform on their recruitment day and in their interview to their best advantage. Book your place now – click here!

Our courses are designed to help you to prepare for cabin crew interviews with ANY international airline.

After having several jobs in diverse domains during the period she attended the Law University, Vera did not settle only with a Law degree, so she oriented her career towards the National Institute of Magistracy. However, her first flight decided her further career in aviation.

When you had your first flight, was it as a passenger or as Cabin Crew?

At the end of my faculty I rewarded myself with a gift: a trip to Madrid. That was the moment when all my goals had changed. As I was in the airplane for the first time and as I kept on seeing the Crew, I knew immediately that my decision of becoming a Flight Attendant was already made. I didn’t wish to be a Cabin Crew from a young age, this first flight experience also made me see and appreciate the beautiful part of the Aviation Industry. My vacation was not just a vacation anymore, and my days were not peaceful anymore till I hadn’t returned to Romania. So, in just a month after my return back home I was already registered for a cabin crew course.

How did you feel when you participated for the first time at an interview, what tasks did you have to pass?

Although I was working as an Assistant Manager at a gas and oil company, I announced my superiors that I intend to resign for the job of Cabin Crew, but they made me an offer to fly on the private jet of the company I was working for. In my case I can say that it was 90% luck because I had the position of VIP private jet flight attendant at the age of 26 without any prior experience in private aviation. However, I, of course, had to pass a series of procedures and tests, including equipment and aeronautic medicine.

What kind of training did you follow in order to become VIP Cabin Crew, where and how long it took?

I followed specialized courses in Customer service domain, a course for the type of airplane I was going to fly on – Cessna Citation Sovereign 680- at Anvers, Belgium, and both I and the pilots had an instructor that was a former Commander on Air Force One for six months. My first flight on a private jet was a mix of emotions, incredible joy, fear and a big challenge.

How many years did you work for the private company and where did you have the base?

I worked 2 years for Flying Group Luxemburg and I had the base in Bucharest, my hometown.

How is the atmosphere in a private jet company, comparing with what you know from your colleagues in the commercial airlines?

The atmosphere in a private jet company is very unique, demanding, but full of advantages. The role of a Corporate Flight Attendant is somehow different, you have different responsibilities, here you have to put a greater accent on the service on board, presentation, product personalization, creativity and be extremely careful to details.

Having almost the same passengers, they made us feel like we were part of their family, they invited the entire crew to dinner in the destination we had, and we participated at their birthdays also. With the occasion of Christmas or Easter holidays we were waiting for them with a basket full of goodies at the airplane stairs and little presents for all the passengers. I was lucky and I worked hard to keep this “luck” with me.

What were your duties on private flights?

The responsibilities of a Corporate Flight Attendant are similar with the ones on a commercial line, but, due to the fact that there is only one Cabin Crew in the airplane, we have to replenish the airplane, to make the menus and a list with each passenger preferences, to go shopping for the passengers in the cities we landed or to order catering. The cleaning team wasn’t allowed to enter the jet, so this responsibility was also ours.

Having the same guests, it was wonderful for us, Flight Attendants, because you arrived at a point where you knew all the culinary preferences, I knew when is the moment to offer a glass of water and step by step we arrived at a point where it was only necessary to look in the eyes and we already knew what they wanted. In private aviation you must know when to appear and when to stay out of sight. I had the immense honour to have as guests state presidents, ambassadors and business men from all over the world, all of them with an exceptional character. I lived unforgettable experiences and I gathered so many beautiful memories. The responsibility I and the whole crew had was to offer them a 5* safe and comfort experience, 5* service and, especially, 5* discretion.

Do you think that a VIP crew is paid more than one at a commercial line?

The satisfactions of a VIP Cabin Crew depend on the level of your devotement, responsibilities and services offered, so I had the joy of seeing the most beautiful cities in the world, to be accommodated at 5* hotels with a chauffeur and a car at the disposal of the Crew any minute we were in another city other than the home base. The financial satisfaction is a very important aspect, is at least 2 times higher than the one at a commercial line (in my case). The biggest satisfaction is that I had the opportunity to meet so many great humans that have all gained my admiration and respect, and with some of them I even became very good friends.

Is a VIP Flight Attendant career only for women?

I consider that the job of a VIP Flight Attendant it suits not only women, but also men who desire a career in this world of luxury and full of satisfaction: the aviation world. I can say this from my experience because I often met with a colleague of mine that was VIP Flight Attendant for a private jet with whom I always made the joke that the airplane is not parked well due to the fact that the red carpet wasn’t long enough to arrive ‘till the boarding gate! I know that he worked before as a waiter for a cruise ship. After he entered the world of aviation, the passengers were asking for him as a flight attendant on their flights, alongside with two other girls, because he had such a delicacy and beautiful attitude in his service that was very appreciated by the passengers.

What are your future plans?

I didn’t make any plan, yet. I always trust my intuition. Sure, I desire to continue my career in aviation and at the same time I think about my personal life alongside my family. My experience was so wonderful and I dare to say a little unusual for aviation. There can be exceptions anytime, the most important thing is to wish for them and to wait, because they will come sooner or later.

Join our courses and become cabin crew with our help!

HOW TO BE CABIN CREW is the biggest training center in Europe dedicated to future flight attendants. Our courses are ideal for young professionals looking to get a head start in the profession, introducing the skills and responsibilities expected by the world’s leading airlines and more importantly give them the vital information and coaching that will help to ensure they perform on their recruitment day and in their interview to their best advantage. Book your place now – click here!

Our courses are designed to help you to prepare for cabin crew interviews with ANY international airline.

Have you always wondered what is the secret by which cabin crew look so fresh and flawless even after a long flight? The answer is simple: because beauty is part of the job. Of course, every woman has a set of beauty secrets that they use but flight attendants stand among a thousand women through perfect makeup, hairstyle, and finally because of their elegant outfits.

They are admired every time they put on their uniforms and step into the airport. They are loved and many women want to be like them. They are beautiful and remain so for 10-20 years. Flight attendants look great every time and every day, even after 15 hours of flight. How do they do that? Especially when a cabin crew’s schedule includes night flights, little rest and irregular meals? These ladies are distinguished by flawless makeup, enviable outfits, surprising attitude, a wide smile and a gentle gaze that will conquer millions of passengers. Below, you can find some beauty tricks directly from flight attendants.

FLAWLESS OUTFIT

Makeup is extremely important for a flight attendant. Always, while flying, you need to look your best, even after long flying hours. This is the main reason why high quality makeup products are in high demand. It seems like these women don’t ever age and this is true, mainly because they follow the steps below for a close to perfection appearance.

Skin care is essential for cabin crew

Flight attendants use very hydrating creams during flights in order to prevent skin dehydration while they are up in the clouds. The makeup products that are mandatory in the aviation industry are: foundation, eyeshadow, eyeliner or eye pencil, mascara, blush, lipstick (the color depends on the company you’re working for) and nail polish. They keep their lips perfect with an intensely moisturizing conditioner, over which they apply the contour and their lipstick. They always apply it after a layer of gloss because they say that it looks much better.

Stewardesses keep their makeup intact with thermal water spray

When flying on long routes, cabin crew refresh their look with a thermal water spray. In addition, they can hold cold bottles, a method that calms the skin and reduces inflammation around the eyes.

The hair, which must always be caught in a bun, should never be fixed with hair spray (because in the dry environment of the plane, after 2 hours it will be full of dry peels), but with hair oil in order to keep it moisturized. The most recommended hair oil is argan, as it helps hydrating and nourishing in the depth of hair, while also being a natural product. The color of the hair must be natural or with two shades darker or lighter than the natural shade.

Tattoos or piercings should not be visible while wearing the uniform.

If the flight attendant is wearing glasses, they must have a thin, black, brown, silver or golden frame and have no stones or other attached accessories (each airline imposes its own rules on the accepted spectacle model). Wearing a watch is mandatory when flying, but stones or very large dials are not acceptable. Only one single ring is allowed on each hand. Recommended earrings should not exceed the earlobe and dental appliances of any kind are strictly forbidden.

The uniform is always business. Most of the outfits both from large airlines and from low-cost airlines require the presentation of a stewardess / steward’s business image. Color differs from one company to another. The shirt is impeccable, and the skirt offers an allure of the flight attendant’s femininity. The steward’s costume communicates a sense of security and professionalism to the passengers.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH!

Flight attendants take care of their health through the following rituals:

Antioxidant regime is beneficial to beauty. Even if they are tired, cabin crew revive their skin instantly by including antioxidants in their diet. The first face-lift foods are peppers, thanks to their high content of vitamin C. Also, currants, salmon and avocados can do wonders for your skin.

The importance of hydration during flight: the secret of fresh skin doesn’t consist much in an effective cream, but in a proper hydration. But you have to be careful of what you drink! Cabin crew avoid drinking carbonated drinks that only bloom instead of mitigating the thirst. They instead choose lemon water and natural herbal teas.

Health and skin care routine countines after landing: Flight attendants continue their beauty ritual even when they are on the ground. Once you get to the hotel, it’s important that you never skip the cleansing ritual and take care of your body and complexion with serums and hydrating oils.

The outfit combines perfectly with the attitude towards their beloved job. The makeup, uniform, hairstyle, but especially the attitude outlines what we call today “Flight attendant, a perfect lady.” And do not forget: your smile opens doors and fulfills the desires up in the clouds.

Join our courses and become cabin crew with our help!

HOW TO BE CABIN CREW is the biggest training center in Europe dedicated to future flight attendants. Our courses are ideal for young professionals looking to get a head start in the profession, introducing the skills and responsibilities expected by the world’s leading airlines and more importantly give them the vital information and coaching that will help to ensure they perform on their recruitment day and in their interview to their best advantage. Book your place now – click here!

Our courses are designed to help you to prepare for cabin crew interviews with ANY international airline.

The interviews are Open Day, which means that you can participate without any invitation and you do not need to register ahead on the company website.

The dates for recruitment are the following:

20th of August- Bucharest

23rd of August- Cluj-Napoca

The Interview will start sharply at 08:00am and the locations will be announced soon on the Company Careers Website.

The Emirates Cabin Crew requirements are:
• At least 21 years of age at the time of joining
• Arm reach of 212 cm while standing on tiptoes
• Minimum height of 160 cm
• High school graduate (Grade 12)
• Fluency in English (Written and Spoken)
• No visible tattoos while in Emirates Cabin Crew uniform (cosmetic and bandage coverings not permitted)
• Physically fit to meet the Emirates Cabin Crew requirements